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Volkswagen exec reaffirms commitment to diesel: ‘Now it is absolutely clean’

(Credit: Volkswagen)

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Recent comments from a Volkswagen executive suggests that the German automaker is not yet ready to fully let go of diesel-powered vehicles. The comments, which were related by Sebastian Willmann, Head of Diesel Engine Development at VW, were published by the veteran carmaker in a blog post promoting its 2.0 TDI EA288 Evo diesel engine, which is designed to meet the strict Euro 6d-Temp standard. 

During his interview, Willmann highlighted the importance of diesel engines to Volkswagen’s lineup. The executive mentioned that diesels remain popular among car buyers due to their longevity, helping vehicles’ mileages reach between 400,000 to 500,000 kilometers (248,000 to 310,000 miles). Willmann also explained that Volkswagen’s new diesel engine is aimed at reducing CO2 emissions. 

“We were able to reduce consumption by up to 10 g CO2/km or about 0.4 l/100 km compared to the already very efficient predecessor engine – and still increase its output. This is a significant step forward while reducing emissions,” he said. 

https://twitter.com/vwschweiz/status/1159736071497740288?s=20

Addressing what could be described as a stigma surrounding diesel engines following Volkswagen’s high-profile Dieselgate scandal, the executive affirmed that diesels will continue to be part of the automaker’s brand in the future. Willmann mentioned that diesel propulsion will remain particularly effective among heavy vehicles that require long range and lots of torque.   

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“Diesel has always been very economical and now it is absolutely clean. Vehicles with the latest emission technology, such as our current diesel engines, emit only very low nitrogen oxide emissions. Our models are at the level of the best competitors… Especially in heavier vehicles, where large ranges and a lot of torque are required and possibly even a trailer to be pulled, the diesel is still the most efficient drive today,” he said. 

The comments of the Volkswagen executive stand in contrast to the current stance of Porsche, an automaker that belongs to the Volkswagen group. Last September, Porsche CEO Oliver Blume announced that the veteran sports car maker is abandoning its entire diesel lineup. While Blume argued that the move is in no way intended to demonize diesel, the CEO stated that it was time for Porsche’s future to be “diesel-free.” The automaker has since doubled down on its electrified and electric vehicle programs, with EVs such as the highly-anticipated Porsche Taycan set to be unveiled this coming September. 

Volkswagen CEO Herbert Diess, for his part, has taken a positive stance on the electric car revolution. Last March, reports from Germany emerged stating that Diess, together with the CEOs of rivals Daimler and BMW, have agreed that the future of Das Auto is the electric car. Volkswagen has since unveiled its first all-electric car, the ID.3, which is expected to be priced below 40,000 euros ($45,000) in Germany. Seemingly as confirmation of market’s interest in electric vehicles, the ID.3 was met with much enthusiasm from the EV community. Over the first 24 hours of the ID.3’s unveiling, Volkswagen revealed that it received 10,000 pre-orders for the vehicle.

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Simon is an experienced automotive reporter with a passion for electric cars and clean energy. Fascinated by the world envisioned by Elon Musk, he hopes to make it to Mars (at least as a tourist) someday. For stories or tips--or even to just say a simple hello--send a message to his email, simon@teslarati.com or his handle on X, @ResidentSponge.

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Tesla seeks approval to test FSD Supervised in new Swedish city

Tesla has applied to conduct local Full Self-Driving (Supervised) testing in the city of Jönköping, Sweden.

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Credit: Grok Imagine

Tesla has applied to conduct local Full Self-Driving (Supervised) testing in the city of Jönköping, Sweden.

As per local outlet Jönköpings-Posten, Tesla has contacted the municipality with a request to begin FSD (Supervised) tests in the city. The company has already received approval to test its Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software in several Swedish municipalities, as well as on the national road network.

Sofia Bennerstål, Tesla’s Head of Public Policy for Northern Europe, confirmed that an application has been submitted for FSD’s potential tests in Jönköping.

“I can confirm that we have submitted an application, but I cannot say much more about it,” Bennerstål told the news outlet. She also stated that Tesla is “satisfied with the tests” in the region so far.

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The planned tests in Jönköping would involve a limited number of Tesla-owned vehicles. Trained Tesla safety drivers would remain behind the wheel and be prepared to intervene if necessary.

Tesla previously began testing in Nacka municipality after receiving local approval. At the time, the company stated that cooperation between authorities, municipalities, and industry enables technological progress and helps integrate future transport systems into real-world traffic conditions, as noted in an Allt Om Elbil report.

If approved, Jönköping would become the latest Swedish municipality to allow local Full Self-Driving (Supervised) testing.

Tesla’s Swedish testing program is part of the company’s efforts to validate its supervised autonomous driving software in everyday traffic environments. Municipal approvals allow Tesla to gather data in urban settings that include roundabouts, complex intersections, and mixed traffic conditions.

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Sweden has become an increasingly active testing ground for Tesla’s driver-assistance software in Europe, with regulatory coordination between local authorities and national agencies enabling structured pilot programs.

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Microsoft partners with Starlink to expand rural internet access worldwide

The update was shared ahead of Mobile World Congress.

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Credit: Starlink/X

Microsoft has announced a new collaboration with Starlink as part of its expanding digital access strategy, following the company’s claim that it has extended internet connectivity coverage to more than 299 million people worldwide.

The update was shared ahead of Mobile World Congress, where Microsoft detailed how it surpassed its original goal of bringing internet access to 250 million people by the end of 2025.

In a blog post, Microsoft confirmed that it is now working with Starlink to expand connectivity in rural and hard-to-reach regions.

“Through our collaboration with Starlink, Microsoft is combining low-Earth orbit satellite connectivity with community-based deployment models and local ecosystem partnerships,” the company wrote.

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The partnership is designed to complement Microsoft’s existing work with local internet providers and infrastructure companies across Africa, Latin America, and India, among other areas. Microsoft noted that traditional infrastructure alone cannot meet demand in some regions, making low-Earth orbit satellite connectivity an important addition.

Kenya was cited as an early example. Working with Starlink and local provider Mawingu Networks, Microsoft is supporting connectivity for 450 community hubs in rural and underserved areas. These hubs include farmer cooperatives, aggregation centers, and digital access facilities intended to support agricultural productivity and AI-enabled services.

Microsoft stated that 2.2 billion people globally remain offline, and that connectivity gaps risk widening as AI adoption accelerates.

Starlink’s expanding constellation, now numbering more than 9,700 satellites in orbit, provides near-global coverage, making it one of the few systems capable of delivering broadband to remote regions without relying on terrestrial infrastructure. 

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Starlink is expected to grow even more in the coming years as well, especially as SpaceX transitions its fleet to Starship, which is capable of carrying significantly larger payloads compared to its current workhorse, the Falcon 9.

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Tesla expands US LFP battery supply with LG Energy Solution deal: report

The report was initially published by TheElec, citing industry sources.

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Credit: Tesla

LG Energy Solution (LGES) will manufacture lithium iron phosphate (LFP) energy storage system (ESS) batteries for Tesla at its Lansing, Michigan facility. 

The report was initially published by TheElec, citing industry sources.

LG Energy Solution’s Lansing plant, formerly known as Ultium Cells 3, was previously operated as a joint venture with General Motors. LGES acquired GM’s stake in May 2025 and now fully owns the site. With a production capacity of 50 GWh per year, it is one of the company’s largest facilities in North America.

LG Energy Solution is converting part of the Lansing factory to produce LFP batteries for energy storage systems. Equipment orders for the new lines have already been placed, and mass production is reportedly expected to begin in the second half of next year.

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Last July, LG Energy Solution disclosed a 5.94 trillion won battery supply agreement running from August 2027 to July 2030. While the company did not name the customer, industry sources pointed to Tesla as the buyer.

Tesla has primarily used CATL’s prismatic batteries for its Megapack systems. The move to source prismatic LFP cells from LG Energy Solution’s U.S. plant could then be seen as part of Tesla’s efforts to bolster its North American supply base for its energy storage business.

For the Lansing conversion, LG Energy Solution reportedly plans to use electrode equipment originally ordered under its Ultium Cells venture with General Motors. Suppliers reportedly include CIS and Hirano Tecseed for electrode systems, TSI for mixing equipment, CK Solution for heat exhaust systems, A-Pro for formation equipment, and Shinjin Mtech for assembly kits.

Tesla currently manufactures energy storage products at facilities in California and Shanghai, though another Megafactory that produces the Megapack is also expected to be built in Texas. As per recent reports, the Texas Megafactory recently advanced with a major property sale.

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